I am not in competition with Michael Majid –Ken Erics

Another budding Nollywood actor, Ken Erics seems not to be sleeping on what he knows how to do; in this interview with UGOCHUKWU FAVOUR-MAYOR, it was inspiring to hear him ponder on his academic academic life and vast experience.

Excerpt:

Let’s know you?

Ken Erics is my name; I’m from Enugwu- Ukwu in Njikoka LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria. I hold a degree in Theatre Arts from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. I am the sixth child of my parents. A liberal minded person. I am more of an introvert. I hardly hang out except when necessary and I keep a small circle of friends. I’m a Nollywood actor and musician.

Let’s discuss Nollywood?

Well, Nollywood is an industry I’m proud to be part of, an industry that has come to stay. I mean from absolutely nothing it has grown into a global phenomenon with immense potential for revenue and human resources. I’m particularly overwhelmed at the abundance of talents the industry parades. And I think that is the main reason for the growth. Though we cannot be said to have arrived, I still think we have made a good impact and with recent collaborations with our counterparts in other climes we have a good springboard from which we can thrive! I’m really glad it is happening. Moreover talents are discovered everyday and the zeal is there. I believe what we need mostly is training. Every practitioner should endeavour to upgrade his or herself with knowledge and skills. That is the fulcrum of any successful industry. I’m glad most aspiring actors and technical personnel have begun to enroll in institutions to sharpen their drive, and I see that translating into more improved productions in the nearest future; such that would earn us global recognition.

How did you find yourself in Nollywood?

Let’s say I always had the conviction that I would be in the entertainment industry. I had a very interesting and entertaining childhood. I was raised in a home where one was exposed to the beauty of arts in all forms. And I’m lucky to have very liberal minded parents who would allow you pursue your dream. My mum had always been in the choir since I knew her. Till date she’s a choir mistress, same to my siblings. I remember as a child I always came home after school to listen to various kinds of music which mum would be listening to before we got home. And that has greatly influenced us all. We’ve all been engaged in one form of church activity or the other, music and drama wise. Even as a child I was always improvising stuffs like microphones and drum sets and would imagine myself as a rock star singing on stage. I could remember I often sneaked out to watch life bands performances because I was so drawn to anything performance, and I would always be part of the church drama and school performances. So, it wasn’t a surprise to my folks when I chose to study Theatre Arts as a course. After my graduation I went for my youth service in Kaduna state. While there, went for an audition and got a role in a soap opera titled ‘Webs’. So when I was done with service I pursued my dream and attended as many auditions as I knew about, the rest is history. My first encounter with Nollywood was in my first year in the University. There was an audition close by, I went for it and was picked for a minor role, which I did. That was the movie, Holy Prostitute. After that the passion grew so I always kept my ears on the ground for audition notices and made sure I attended any audition I heard about. I really could travel miles just to attend an audition. In my third year in the University, I got wind of an audition in Lagos that was Teco Benson’s film, Danger Signal. I left school in a commercial luxurious night bus, in which I stood half of the journey and slept on the floor of the bus, in between the passengers, because I couldn’t pay the complete fare to secure a chair. When I got to Lagos in the morning, I rushed to a friend’s house and showered, then headed to the national theatre for the audition. Luckily for me I made it and was given a role to play as Desmond Elliot’s friend. Though it wasn’t a big role, I still gave it my best. After that I didn’t do any other movie until after my youth service. When I was done with NYSC I started attending auditions again in Enugu, Asaba, and Abuja. I still went for Teco’s audition for an epic, Silence of the gods, in Enugu. Got a good role and did it well. Then I went for another audition for the movie Eran and Erak and I got the lead; from there I picked up.

Life as a celebrity?

(Laughs) Honestly I don’t see myself as a celebrity yet. I might be popular, fine. But I don’t have the notion that I’m a celebrity or go around expecting to be recognized and all that. I still live my simple life the way I have always been. The only difference is that the exposure had forced me indoors; I hardly visit where I use to be. Then one tends to find it difficult to go to certain places and do things you ordinarily would do without causing a stir. Plus the fact that people expect more from you forgetting you are just like every other person. The life of an actor is really not an enviable one. It pigeonholes you into a certain stereotype in public, always grinning even when deep down you feel terrible or depressed. However there are good sides to it. I mean it’s heartwarming to hear people tell you “you are their role model and they love you”. It gives me a kind of fulfillment knowing my little contributions really touched lives positively; and for that I’m grateful to God.

Which movie would you say brought you to limelight?

Actually I got the exposure from Silence of the gods. Then Eran and Erak gave me the recognition I needed. The movie Evil Intention with Kenneth Okonkwo actually stamped my presence.

Scandals?

I have really been lucky with that. No scandal yet. But that is not to say I am a saint or holier than anybody. We all are humans with numerous shortcomings. Moreover this is entertainment. The fact that there isn’t a scandal today doesn’t rule out the possibility of one. I just keep praying and doing my job, which is all I owe my fans.

Who is the act you always prefer being on set with?

I don’t really have preferences regarding my colleagues. But I sure wouldn’t enjoy working with someone who isn’t going to bring out the best in me. As long as the artiste knows his or her craft, I’m good. Acting is a collaborative effort. Much as we as actors have our unit objectives to deliver the character as real as possible, the super objective which is to tie all our efforts into a complete whole matters a lot. So if I’m good and the next person isn’t, the whole effort would have been futile; that’s why I’m an advocate for excellence irrespective of sentiments.

Challenges?

The challenges are there. I mean transforming yourself into another person’s persona is in itself a huge challenge. And that is the greatest for every actor. The ability to switch from one character to another within a specified period of time intensifies as the case. Outside the screen there’s also the challenge of trying to please everyone you come across, which of course is almost impossible. But you just have to be as polite and as civil as possible, even to rude and irritating remarks and actions.

Dream?

My dream is to be a successful entertainer, to be the best I can and to really impact lives. Someone I would be proud to read about if I could. Someone my children would really be proud of. I hope to delve into various genres of entertainment as regards movies and music. I just keep working hard and praying to God for fulfillment.

Ken Eric with Tontoh Dike

Relationship?

I’m currently in a relationship with someone so unique to me. She loves and understands me very well. She is from Anambra State, and she just finished her youth service. She is a complete African woman, and she doesn’t like publicity, so I’ll leave it at that.

Embarrassing moment?

That should be the day I fell into a ditch and got carried away by flood while trying to impress my colleagues. How did it happen? I had gone for a music show with my group, on our way back there was heavy rain and the road was flooded. No car could move. We had to alight and cross a ditch into a nearby store till the rain subsided. There was a wooden bridge, my friends walked over, in my stupidity I decided to jump over only to land inside the gutter and the flood carried me along immediately. God just saved me as I held onto some metal poles before they came to my rescue, already then I was muddy from head to toe.

How about the competition you were accused of having with Ghana artistes, especially Michael Majid?

That’s far from the truth. I can’t compete with anybody, not at all. Why should I? Every one is unique in his or her way. I mean every actor brings certain individuality to the table, and as such there isn’t any room for unhealthy competition. Moreover I respect my colleagues and I think they do the same. Acting is symbiotic. I learn from every single person I come across irrespective of status. For me, there’s always something to pick up from every individual; so there isn’t any competition whatsoever with Ghana artistes or even Micheal Majid as earlier mentioned.

What should your fans expect?

My fans should expect a couple of wonderful movies I did lately. They will soon hit the cinemas and the shelves. The details would be out soon. I thank all my fans for their immeasurable love and support, and I promise never to fail them.

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Comments

Brother ken plz wil help sum1 who dreams of acting ,plz i no dat i have nothing 2 give 2 u bt plz dis my number 08182046001,all my life have dreaming,prayin 2 becoming an actress bt i have know 1 too make my dreams come through plz u r my last hope.plz lf nt 4 anything bt 4 de sake of God who made u n i.plz help a die soul,a fatherless child like me who was born in dis wicked world.plz Brother

Brother ken plz wil u help sum1 who dream of becoming an actress,plz i no dat i have nothing 2 give 2 u bt plz dis my number 08182046001,all my life have being of dreaming,prayin 2 becoming an actress bt i have know 1 too make my dreams come through plz u r my last hope.plz lf nt 4 anything bt 4 de sake of God who made u n i.plz help a dying soul,a fatherless child like me who was born in dis wicked world.plz Brother

U are a very responsible guy. Keep it up,u will surely touch d sky. An moreover,i love d role u all played in d movie “illiterate”. It will be of great pleasure d day i will set my eyes on u. I realy admire u ,by God’s grace me too will b known as d best actress. All d same keep it up.

I dreamth of becoming an actress right from when i was in primary school till i pass out from secondary school, i do go for drama blast’s/drama competition’s each time my school is invited, but my mother & my elderly brother blocked & refused me of my decisions in life. Uptill- date i am still regreting it. Thank GOD for ur mother who supported “U”. More greeze to ur elbow.

Ken my love 4 ur personality new no bound afta reading dis interview. I enjoy ur roles wel in gold not silver and the ilitrate. If u can help me get my life dream in acting and music col 08139429795 i wil be glad. Luv u!

I love u ken Eric nd d movies u act especially dat one “THE ILLITERATE”wow! It is superb… Wish i can be like u,pls ken if u can do it call 08189562817, I’ll be very grateful cos i need someone who can make my dreams come true,if u know someone @ Asaba like a Director or a producer pls tell me how to reach him/her.TANX

I love u ken Eric nd d movies u act especially dat one “THE ILLITERATE”wow! It is superb… Wish i can be like u,pls ken if u can do it call 08189562817 or Beatricemandy6@gmail.com, I’ll be very grateful cos i need someone who can make my dreams come true,if u know someone @ Asaba like a Director or a producer pls tell me how to reach him/her.TANX

Pls bro, i will do appreciate it if u can connect me 2 d movie industry, i am a gradute and acting has been my dream career but don’t have anybody 2 connect me. Call me if u have something 4 me 08036510264

Hello eric, i have seen a lot of actors and actresses on films & also live on stage, but you have a unique touch of grace that make you look excellently in ur acting, i believe that must be the hand of God. It is easier to get to the TOP but it is not easier to stay at the TOP, Pls try and stay at the top. Pls am tallented in writing of play (movie play) but to whom will i get in touch with…., pls u can email me. (honestyoladipo@yahoo.com ) Thanks

I love u so much n all movics eg my sweart, occultic brother,hour of mercy,member of idemili cult etc, n brother ken i act so much n i writh many storys n music bt i dt hv a suppot on back plz contact me n help me sir des my number 08124748582 or 08141350207 thinks.

This is the time you have been waiting for. do you want to be a actor or actress in life here is the opportunity in life to achieve that dream okay. VIA ;youngstarproductions@outlook.com
i am Ramsey Stanley if you are interested to be actor or actress get back to me so you will be told what to do so you can be registered to be an actress or a actor okay.

Ken am proud of u i like the way u dressed nd the way u act.i hav been dream to be actress but i dont knw hw to get intouch wit anybody pls if u can help me send text wit dis no 08131885495 i wil cal u pls

U Really Do Well At My Sweat And When Jesus Say Yes. U Try Keep It Up.I Will Like To Speak With U One U Really Do Well At My Sweat And When Jesus Say Yes. U Try Keep It Up.I Will Like To Speak With U One U Really Do Well At My Sweat And When Jesus Say Yes. U Try Keep It Up.I Will Like To Speak With U One U Really Do Well At My Sweat And When Jesus Say Yes. U Try Keep It Up.I Will Like To Speak With U One Day.

Mr ken, i really respect ur personality, u are one in a million,i pray dat d God of d ophans will bless d works of ur hands in Jesus name. Amen. Plz i want u to help in any way u can i just lost my mum and my father is suffering in d village no help is coming 4rm any where plz i beg u in d name God plz help me. Dis is my number . 08140567768:

Am very very greatful to have Ken Eric Ugo as my best actor, I like d way he act, to make it short? I like him. I prayers for him is that God will in his mercy will always see you through. Your namesack Ugo. My no; 07039576536.

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Calendar, 2015

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